Caceres daunted by Barcelona strength

March 13, 2011 | 09:22

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Martin Caceres, on loan to Sevilla from Barcelona, knows that his current side will need a fair share of good fortune if they are to prevail against his all-conquering parent club on Sunday.

League leaders Barcelona came through a controversial Champions League tie against Arsenal in mid-week, winning 3-1 for a 4-3 aggregate victory after visiting striker Robin van Persie was harshly sent off at Camp Nou.

Arsenal were drawing 1-1 when van Persie received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, but Caceres does not believe their tactic of defending deep and inviting pressure is an advisable strategy for Sevilla to adopt.

"The key is to be concentrated for 90 minutes and to try and impose our own football but it won't be easy as all their players have tremendous ability," said the Uruguayan, who is competing with Alexis and Federico Fazio for a starting place at centre-back.

"We will have to run a lot to beat them, be lucky and also play with the right mentality to win the match.

"Whoever starts in the centre of defence will go out and do their best. We obviously want to win but it is going to be very tough."

Sevilla are in the hunt for a place in Europe but they suffered a set-back with defeat at Athletic Bilbao and now face a Barca side led by the magical feet of Lionel Messi, who has scored 27 goals so far in the league.

In a match played on Friday, Real Madrid beat Hercules 2-0 and moved within four points of leaders Barcelona.

Fixtures

Sunday (1600GMT unless otherwise stated):

Osasuna v Racing Santander, Real Sociedad v Malaga, Espanyol v Deportivo La Coruna, Levante v Real Mallorca, Villarreal v Sporting Gijon (1800GMT), Sevilla v Barcelona (2000GMT)

Monday (2000GMT):

Getafe v Athletic Bilbao

AFP

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